Future lawyers - how's the studying and the job search?

jhmaeng

jhmaeng

jhmaeng

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I thought I'd start this thread to get an idea of who's doing law and intending to become a solicitor/barrister, since it's probably one of the most traumatic fields to find a job and might be useful to swap notes and so on.

I'm currently taking the GDL at the College of Law, Store Street, after finishing my degree in Economics at UCL. I hated economics, so doing something I really enjoy is really an amazing breath of fresh air... but I find I'm slacking already and now have horrendous amounts of work to catch up on.

And for the ultimate "in-joke"... Denning MR's portrait for your viewing pleasure:

denning.jpg
 
It's something I'm considering once I've finished my degree but the fact I'm not 100% sure I guess suggests I'm not dedicated enough for it.
 
I work for a couple of different law firms and staff from both of them said I would make a good lawyer, but I always give them the same response - I'm not corrupt enough :p
 
ZOMGZ you be stalking my gf!!! :(

She's there doing the BVC right now - so you've probably seen her pointing at laughing at the GDL people (she's the hawt one). :p

MEANWHILE

I'm at QMUL doing an LLM in IP law. What're you planning on doing next year - LPC or BVC? If you're going to do the BVC you may well end up with me saying 'zomg hi2u' on the first day.

Oh and, to conclude, Denning ruined the legal system. I don't care how many people tell me how easy and fun his judgements are to read - they're ridiculous!
 
did you get a s.1 from UCL or higher?
How were your first year grades?
I presume you did well at A levels, considering your uni.

Do you want to be a solicitor or barrister?
I'm a trainee solicitor.

If you want to be a solicitor.
I would apply like hell for vac schemes asap. Ask for help from the careers service A LOT! Get your form perfect and send off as many as possible.
 
Except that Denning didn't really ruin the legal system, did he? Most of his wonky law got put right and the moments of genius that he had still endure today. But picture did actually make me lol.
 
Dennings work with the legal system was excellent in my opinion.

My A levels aren't fantastic but am at a good university, would like to do the BVC but don't really have the grades I don't think!
 
Im finishing my last year on my llb law degree this year, its going tough and i so far behind already. I got about 53% average last year so i really need about 64% plus across the board in courseworks and exams to get my 2.1

I want to do my LPC in the collage of law birmingham next year if i can. Ive heard that third years are supposed to start applying for LPC places in the next few weeks?

Anyone know whats needed to get into the collage of law for LPC? Is it easy to get into. Will they let me in with a 2.2?
 
First year LLB student here, I also did it at A-Level and have to say it's a fantastic subject to study. I'm intending to become a solicitor... Although that said, I've just been given the role of Senior Counsel for an up coming moot so that may change my mind!

Love that Denning pic!
 
Johnny Girth said:
Aye, not to be pessimistic but if you don't have 4 or 5 As and a 1st from Oxbridge then don't bother with the BVC. Seriously.
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It's this attitude coupled with the costs of the thing that mean a lot of people who could make wonderful Barristers instead go onto become solicitors :( (not that i'm putting down solicitors)

I'm studying law at Lancaster and loving it so far. One thing which has already caught my mind though is the difference in salary between London and the rest of the country. Now i know living costs are higher in London but at most firms when you start out you get 50% more if your in a London firm then anywhere in the UK :confused: I know London is seen as the center of law but jeez....
 
Oooh, exciting! What year is he/she in? I see you're in Egham as well, did you attend here? Aye, realistically will end up a solicitor, intending to go into London. BVC will be unlikely, pretty good university but obviously not Oxbridge standard, part of the University of London at least. Don't have straight A's, or any A's at A level for that matter!
 
I'm studying Economics with a module of politics to keep me sane. We're both finalists. He's been applying for christmas vacation schemes but hasn't got any yet have you done any mini-pupillages etc?
 
t's this attitude coupled with the costs of the thing that mean a lot of people who could make wonderful Barristers instead go onto become solicitors
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That's the reality though I'm afraid. Unless you're very well connected or the absolute best in the country then you can forget about getting into a good commercial chambers. You may be able to get into chambers outside of London but then you'll probably be a lot poorer for a lot longer than any City solicitor. So unless you're desperate to go to the Bar then it would be much more worthwhile just heading into litigation in a decent law firm.

As for College of Law in Birmingham with a 2.2 - I think that's pretty likely. I think that's their minimum entry requirement. Although not to sound harsh but you won't be able to get into London with those kinds of grade and you'll find it difficult elsewhere too.
 
Just what the world needs - more money grabbing lawyers (don't we call the solicitors over here?)

Every time I have to spend time with a solicitor I end up with a big bill and an urge to punch them in the face.

However, good luck to those on their way to being one though. ;)
 
Mad old tory said:
I'm studying Economics with a module of politics to keep me sane. We're both finalists. He's been applying for christmas vacation schemes but hasn't got any yet have you done any mini-pupillages etc?
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Nope, in my first year. Any advice that you can give by the way? Is it worth looking for work experience even as a tea boy at a local law firm?
 
I'm currently doing the LPC at BPP Law School in London (Holborn). Excellent Law school but also the most expensive. (It should pay for itself in due course)

At the moment im pretty optimistic about my career prospects although I would definitely advise that anyone who wants the best possible chance to get a training contract first gets a vacation scheme sorted in their second year of degree, and definitely as much work experience as they can find, no matter how rudimentary it might seem.

Edit: The BVC is good for nothing other than being a barrister, and the chances are you won't.
 
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